What Is Ornamental Ceiling Plastering?

Ornamental ceiling plastering has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and eye-catching architectural and interior decoration forms. Ceilings of palaces, mansions, and other historic buildings worldwide have been adorned with this labour-intensive art form for centuries.

This article delves into the fascinating world of ornamental ceiling plastering, discussing its history, methods, and the enduring appeal it brings to any room's decor.

What Exactly Is Ornamental Plastering?

Ornamental plaster is a decorative finish applied to interior walls and ceilings constructed of wet plaster strengthened with hessian or fibreglass. Cornice mouldings, decorative work, and ceiling roses and arches are all manufactured from it in the Decorative Plasterwork workshop before being installed.

The Benefits Of Ornamental Ceiling Plastering

Many positive outcomes can result from installing decorative ceiling plastering.

Let's explore some of the advantages:

Improved Aesthetic Appeal

Plastering the ceiling with decorative designs is a great way to improve the room's aesthetics. It improves the aesthetic appeal of any room by injecting a dose of class and charisma. Plasterwork's ability to create various textures, patterns, and finishes makes even the most boring ceiling worth looking at.

Personalization And Customization

You can put your unique stamp on a room by choosing from various decorative plastering patterns for the ceiling. There is a design option for everyone, whether looking for something more traditional with classical motifs or more contemporary with geometric patterns. This personalisation allows you to express yourself through your clothing choices in a way that no one else will.

Long-lasting Durability

Ornamental ceiling plastering that is done correctly will last for many years. When properly installed with high-quality materials, it can last for many years. In contrast to more ephemeral decorations like wallpaper, ornamental plasterwork lasts for decades with only occasional touch-ups needed to keep it looking great.

Property Value Increase

Adding decorative plaster to your ceiling is a great investment that can substantially raise the market value of your home. Buyers and investors are attracted to the high level of luxury and quality displayed by these ornamental designs because of the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail required to create them. Adding aesthetic touches like these can boost your home's marketability and help you get a higher offer.

Concealing Imperfections

Ornamental plastering is an excellent method for hiding ceiling flaws like cracks, uneven surfaces, and blemishes.

The plasterwork produces a sleek and flawless finish, making the ceiling look meticulously cared for. In addition, it hides flaws in the building's structure or aesthetics by drawing focus to the ornate designs themselves.

Acoustic And Thermal Advantages

Ornamental plastering of ceilings has both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Depending on the materials employed and the installation method, it can insulate a room from noise and enhance its acoustics. In addition, some types of plaster offer thermal insulation, making it easier to control the temperature and making the space more pleasant.

Different Styles Of Plasterworks

Plasterwork is a multipurpose and ageless art form used to decorate walls, ceilings, and other architectural features for centuries. Plasterwork is a timeless favourite because of its ability to improve a room's look and display its creators' craftsmanship.

This article delves into the fascinating realm of plasterworks, examining its many styles and their defining features. The dramatic visual impact of different design styles, from traditional elegance to contemporary minimalism, can completely alter the feel of a space.

1. Arches

Commonly constructed to break up long hallways, serve as an intermediary between rooms without additional doors, or cover unsightly structural supports.

However, keystone arches, the standard arch type in ancient times, are still widely used today. The large "centre stone" is reminiscent of the keystone, which was once used to secure the other stones in the arch.

The arch's interior can be covered or flat depending on the room's overall design aesthetic. In addition, the archway can be further embellished by adding a relief around it and cornices at the base.

2. Columns

Being naturally splendid, columns can completely alter a room's character, especially if it has a high ceiling or is open to the floor(s) above. The three primary components of any column are the plinth, the shaft, and the capital (ascending order). Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composition columns are the five most common classically based columns in revival and colonial architecture. Visually, these five styles range from simplistic (Doric) to complex (Corinthian).

Capitals of Corinthian columns are frequently altered to depict local flora; for example, tobacco leaves and intricate scrolling are frequently substituted for acanthus leaves, the traditional ancient Greek floral depiction, on southern plantations. Gilding is another form of customisation. 

The shaft can be decorated from plain polished plaster to marbleize and flutes. There are rounded and square column bases, with Doric columns being the exception due to their lack of a base.

3. Chair Rail

A chair rail is exactly what it sounds like a plaster band installed around the perimeter of a room (typically the dining room) at chair height. Although it's possible to find elaborate examples, it most commonly appears as a bullnose or rectangular moulding. In addition to being a nice aesthetic touch, it protects walls from being gouged by the back of a wooden chair.

4. Cornices

Crown moulding refers to horizontal mouldings with a simple or repeated pattern. Some other places you might find a cornice are doorways, windows, furniture, and built-in fixtures. Variations of the aforementioned common styles include dental, rounded, stepped, bevelled, and elongated forms.

Carved reliefs are widespread, often including motifs like leaves, animals, and other style elements. Doorways and windows are emphasised by large plaster cornices that frame them on all sides. Most methods for making simple cornices involve filling a form with wet plaster and then cutting the plaster with a specific "knife" to form the desired moulding pattern.

5. Fireplace Surrounds

Fireplaces typically have large, ornate mantels to serve as a visual focal point and often have decorative plasterwork around the fireplace's perimeter. Plaster ornamentation/frieze directly over the fireplace is a common addition, as are imitation columns (pilasters), reliefs on each side, accenting moulding adjacent to the mantel, and decorative moulding.

6. Domes

The impact of domes' concave surfaces need not be proportional to their size. Despite their lack of depth, domes created the illusion of greater height in interior spaces. When designing a building in the style of the Greco-Roman revival, architects frequently opt for domes, either as the focal point of a larger room or replicated in miniature elsewhere, like a hallway. The inside of the dome can be decorated in various ways, including with flat paint, murals, gold leaf/Dutch metal, or plaster that has been scalloped.

7. Skirting

This moulding, or baseboard, is installed at the floor's base. Skirting, in contrast to many other decorative plasters, is typically quite simple, with only a few bevelled characteristics (if any) and a range of possible heights.

8. Medallions

Medallions are decorative architectural elements typically mounted on ceilings near the foot of a chandelier, walls in the middle of a room, or at the foot of a sconce. Ceiling medallions can be placed anywhere in a room, but they are often arranged in a symmetrical pattern above a table or fireplace. The medallions atop chandeliers are typically simple, round, scalloped, and bevelled, depicting a flower in bloom, geometric, or evoking features of the surrounding mouldings or frieze.

9. Pilasters

Pilasters are architectural elements typically found in large, open rooms with high ceilings. They could be more important in and of themselves, but they do a great job emphasising the room's scale. These column-imitating mouldings can either mimic real columns in the room or be designed to evoke a particular column style. Ionic and Corinthian columns are the most typical examples of this type.

Ornamental Ceiling Plastering Materials

To get the desired decorative effects when plastering an ornamental ceiling, it is necessary to use specialised materials. The following are examples of some of the most common parts:

Plaster

Ornamental ceiling plastering is typically done with traditional plaster, such as gypsum plaster. It's the foundation on which the ornamentation can be built. Plaster is highly malleable and can be moulded into complex forms.

Moulds

Plastering an ornate ceiling requires the use of moulds. They are used in making rosettes, mouldings, cornices, and other ornamental flourishes. Depending on the intricacy of the mould's design, silicone or resin may be used instead.

Reinforcement Materials

Ornamental plasterwork may require the use of reinforcement materials for structural support. The use of such materials guarantees the structure's resilience over time. Plaster is typically reinforced with metal or fibreglass mesh embedded in the material.

Decorative Elements

When plastering an ornamental ceiling, it's common practice to add even more flourishes to the overall design. Beads, medallions, and finials are all examples of decorative elements that can enhance a piece.

Paint And Finishes 

Once the plastering is done, the decorative ceiling can be painted and finished to make it look nice and prevent damage. Acrylic or latex-based paint, among others, can create the desired effect. In addition, glazes and sealants can be applied to plaster to protect it and give it a more finished appearance.

Tools And Equipment

Ornamental ceiling plastering calls for specialised equipment and tools. Tools such as trowels, plaster mixers, spatulas, brushes, sandpaper, and measuring devices may be used. The design's complexity and the chosen methods will dictate the instruments used.

Where Ornamental Plaster Moulding Is Useful

When the walls and ceilings of an older building made of "solid plaster" or "lath and plaster" deteriorate beyond repair, it is often more cost-effective for the client to have the structure re-lined with contemporary plasterboard or new sand and cement. This reduces the need for upkeep and refreshes the building's aesthetic appeal.

In older homes, ceiling roses, panels, and other decorative ornamental plaster mouldings may be in better condition than other substrates because they were cast using solid casting techniques and materials.

Unfortunately, decorative plaster mouldings are often thrown away during the initial demolition because, contrary to popular belief, they are no longer manufactured or cannot be taken down in one piece.

Vision Ornate Plaster offers various services related to ornamental plaster, including catalogue matching, repair, restoration, remodelling, and reproduction.

When restoring ornamental plaster, you can expect the following steps:

Onsite

• Consultation on the site and feasibility assessment.
• Quotation and feasibility report on heritage plaster restoration.
• Disassembling the product with care (s).

Offsite

• Repairs include sanding, patching, and repainting the walls.
• Process of reproducing ornamental plaster moulding.
• Using a replica ornamental plaster moulding technique.

Onsite

• Reinstallation, delivery, and fine finishing.

Restoring ornamental plaster is a specialised, complex, and rewarding method that enables buildings to keep their original ornamental plaster mouldings or to reproduce them using the same techniques as the original construction.

How Much Is Ornamental Plaster?

Ornamental plaster is beautiful not only because it looks great after being installed and painted by professionals but also because it makes a luxury once available only to the wealthy and accessible to the middle class. But decorative plaster can get expensive. Please explain. 

Though specific costs will vary depending on factors like location and current market conditions, you can roughly expect to pay:

• A less elaborate colonial cove cornice can cost between $7.50 and $8.50 per linear metre.
• Ornate cornices cost $15.00 or more per linear metre.

You'll also have to factor in the cost of hiring an expert ornamental plasterer. Their prices range from $35/hr up to $100/hr. A service that specialises in restoring older homes will likely charge you more.

When comparing two identically sized homes, the total cost of a plastering service can range from as little as $10,000 to well over $30,000. How much ornamental plastering is required, how complicated is the design, and what service you opt for? All factor into this? Get quotes from multiple ornamental plaster services and go with the one that can deliver the required quality at a price you can afford.

DIY Ornamental Ceiling Plastering Vs. Hiring A Professional

You can choose between a do-it-yourself (DIY) project or a professional plastering service for ornamental ceiling plastering. The benefits and caveats of each strategy will be discussed below.

DIY Ornamental Ceiling Plastering

Pros:

1. Cost Savings: Doing it yourself can save labour costs, so it's worth considering. Instead of hiring an expert, you can use that money to stock up on materials.
2. Creative Expression: Do-it-yourself projects allow for releasing inner thoughts and feelings. Put your creative stamp on the plasterwork by trying different patterns and colours.
3. Learning Experience: Doing a do-it-yourself project is a great way to gain experience and knowledge. If you like working with your hands and have some spare time and patience, it can be a satisfying experience.

Cons:

1. Skill and Expertise: Plastering an ornamental ceiling design calls for expert-level expertise. With formal education or experience, you may be able to produce results at a professional level. Repairing a mistake often requires a lot of time and money.
2. Time and Effort: DIY projects take longer to finish, especially if you need to get used to working with plaster. Ornamental plasterwork can add a lot of time to a project because of the learning curve and the careful nature of the work.
3. Quality and Durability: The result may not be as high-quality as if a professional were hired. Professional plasterers have years of experience under their belts, guaranteeing quality work that will last.

Hiring A Professional Plastering Service

Pros:

1. Expertise and Craftsmanship: Ornamental ceiling plastering is a speciality of professional plasterers. Because of their extensive training and expertise, they can easily craft sophisticated patterns. Their skill guarantees complete satisfaction with the results.
2. Time Efficiency: Plastering is a job best left to experts, who have access to the equipment and know-how required to get the job done quickly and effectively. They know how to overcome obstacles and produce quality work in a timely manner, thanks to their extensive experience.
3. Professional Finishes: Hiring an expert guarantees smooth and faultless completion. They have access to various materials and finishes, elevating the plasterwork's aesthetic value with a professional touch.

Cons:

1. Cost: It's often more cost-effective to do the job yourself rather than pay a professional when it comes to plastering. All costs, from supplies to professionals' time, are accounted for here. On the other hand, it's high quality and lasting benefit may make the cost worthwhile.
2. Limited Creative Control: Working with experts may have fewer options for personalisation than going the do-it-yourself route. You can share your ideas, but the professionals' knowledge and suggestions may still be in the final design.

Conclusion

Throughout the centuries, palaces, mansions, and other historic buildings have made use of the architectural and interior decoration style known as "ornamental ceiling plastering."

Wet plaster fortified with hessian or fibreglass is the basis of this beautiful interior wall and ceiling finish.

Decorative plastering has several uses and can improve a building's aesthetics, allow for greater personalisation, last for decades, increase the building's worth, hide flaws, and improve acoustics and thermal comfort.

Plasterwork can take on a variety of forms, such as arches, columns, chair rails, and cornices. The most common types of classically based columns in revival and colonial architecture are the Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composition columns, which are utilised to break up lengthy halls and change the atmosphere of a room.

Chair rails are plaster bands that are hung around the room's perimeter to prevent damage to the walls from chair legs. Doorways, windows, furniture, and built-in fixtures often have cornices, which are horizontal mouldings with simple or repeating patterns.

Ornamental ceiling plastering can boost the aesthetic appeal of a room, make it seem more like a home, increase the value of a property, hide flaws, and improve acoustics and thermal comfort. Plastering an ornamental design into a ceiling is a common and attractive way to give a room a refined look.

Traditional plaster, moulds, reinforcement materials, ornamental components, and equipment are just some of the specialised materials used in this process.

Gypsum plaster, for example, is one such material because of its extreme plasticity and ability to take on a wide variety of shapes. Rosettes, mouldings, cornices, and other decorative flourishes can be cast using moulds, and reinforcement materials can provide strength. Beads, medallions, and finials are examples of embellishments that can be added to the design to make it more eye-catching.

After the plastering is done, a protective finish, including paint, glaze, and sealer, can be applied to the decorative ceiling. Trowels, plaster mixers, spatulas, brushes, sandpaper, and measurement devices are just some of the tools and equipment used in decorative ceiling plastering.

Ornamental plaster restoration is a highly specialised, intricate, and satisfying process that preserves or recreates ornamental plaster mouldings in buildings using the same methods and materials as the original construction. Depending on considerations such as location and market conditions, the price of decorative plaster can range from about $7.50 to $8.50 per linear metre for a simple colonial cove cornice to $15.00 or more per square metre for more intricate ornamental cornices.

In conclusion, ornamental ceiling plastering is a well-liked and fruitful technique that can boost the interior's aesthetic value. When renovating historic properties, it is crucial to factor in the time and money needed to hire a skilled ornamental plasterer. The price of an elaborately plastered ceiling might vary from over $30,000 to well under $10,000. It's necessary to take into account the quantity of ornamental plastering required, the complexity of the design, and the service selected when comparing two homes of the same square footage. DIY ornamental ceiling plastering provides opportunities for financial savings, personal expression, and educational growth.

However, it calls for the knowledge, time, and effort of an expert, and the outcomes may be subpar. Hire a professional plasterer if you want a job done right and done to last.

Expertise, precision, efficiency, and a flawless finish are just some of the benefits of working with a professional plastering provider.

They have access to a wide range of resources, allowing them to produce flawless results. DIY projects are frequently less expensive than hiring a pro, but the latter's superior quality and longer-term benefits could still be worth the extra cash. Also, the professional's expertise and input can end up in the final product, leaving less room for customisation.

Content Summary

• Ornamental ceiling plastering is a prestigious and eye-catching architectural and interior decoration form.
• It has been used for centuries in palaces, mansions, and historic buildings worldwide.
• Ornamental plaster is a decorative finish applied to interior walls and ceilings.
• It is made of wet plaster strengthened with hessian or fibreglass.
• Cornice mouldings, decorative work, and ceiling roses and arches are made from ornamental plaster.
• Installing decorative ceiling plastering improves the aesthetic appeal of any room.
• It allows for personalisation and customisation with various patterns and designs.
• Ornamental plastering is long-lasting and durable when installed correctly.
• It can increase the market value of a property due to its luxurious and high-quality appeal.
• Ornamental plastering can conceal imperfections and flaws in ceilings.
• It offers acoustic and thermal advantages, enhancing the sound insulation and temperature control of a room.
• Plasterwork is a versatile art form used for centuries to decorate walls, ceilings, and architectural features.
• Different styles of plasterwork can completely alter the look and feel of a space.
• Arches are commonly used to break up long hallways or cover structural supports.
• Columns can dramatically change a room's character, ranging from simplistic to complex styles.
• Chair rails protect walls from chair damage and add aesthetic appeal.
• Cornices are horizontal mouldings that can be found in various places, including doorways and windows.
• Fireplace surrounds often have decorative plasterwork to serve as a visual focal point.
• Domes create an illusion of greater height in interior spaces and can be decorated in various ways.
• Skirting is a simple moulding installed at the base of the floor.
• Medallions are decorative elements mounted on ceilings or walls.
• Pilasters are column-imitating mouldings that emphasise a room's scale.
• Plaster, moulds, reinforcement materials, decorative elements, paint, and finishes are used in ornamental ceiling plastering.
• Plaster is the foundation for creating ornamental designs.
• Moulds are used to make rosettes, cornices, and other decorative elements.
• Reinforcement materials ensure the durability and longevity of the plasterwork.
• Decorative elements such as beads, medallions, and finials enhance the overall design.
• Paint and finishes add the final touch to the plasterwork.
• Specialised tools and equipment are used for ornamental ceiling plastering.
• Ornamental plaster moulding is useful for restoring older buildings and refreshing their aesthetic appeal.
• Ceiling roses, panels, and other decorative plaster mouldings may be in better condition in older homes.
• Vision Ornate Plaster offers services related to ornamental plaster, including repair, restoration, and reproduction.
• Restoring ornamental plaster involves on-site consultation, repairs, reproduction, and fine finishing.
• The cost of ornamental plaster depends on the complexity of the design and the service chosen.
• Colonial cove cornices can cost between $7.50 and $8.50 per linear metre.
• Ornate cornices can cost $15.00 or more per linear metre.
• Hiring an expert ornamental plasterer can range from $35/hr to $100/hr.
• The total cost of a plastering service can range from $10,000 to well over $30,000.
• DIY ornamental ceiling plastering can save on labour costs and allow for creative expression.
• It can be a learning experience and a way to gain knowledge and experience.
• DIY projects may lack the skill and expertise of a professional plasterer.